Loneliness

How to deal with loneliness

Involuntary loneliness makes us ill and burdens our everyday lives. One in ten people in Austria complains about social isolation and loneliness. Those most affected are 15- to 25-year-olds and people older than 70 years. So lonely people do not have to be ashamed or accept it as an individual fate, they can now become active and escape loneliness!

Exclusion

Loneliness can also arise when someone is unable to find a sense of belonging within a group. The German word "Ausgrenzung" (exclusion) contains the word "Grenze" (boundary). People who exclude others want to draw a boundary between themselves and others. It therefore describes the active act of preventing other people from being part of a group.

There are various reasons why people are excluded. These can range from distrust of another person, unwillingness to share, and bullying, to severe forms of discrimination such as sexism, racism, and ableism.

Important: Just because you are not always included does not necessarily mean that you are being intentionally excluded. However, if it is always you who is not being included, then it may indeed be considered exclusion.

Loneliness on Holidays

Andererseits.org article. Dec.20. 2024

Being alone and mental illness can be particularly stressful at Christmas time. Expectations of a peaceful holiday and the image of happy families can make people feel lonelier.

Here are three tips that can help you get through the period better:

1. Make phone calls: Take time to talk to friends or family members on the phone. A conversation can help you feel less alone and sort out your thoughts.
2. Talk about it and make loneliness visible: Talk openly about your feelings and listen to others who confide in you. It can be relieving to share loneliness with someone.
3. Take care of yourself: Take care of yourself. Do something that brings you joy – a good meal, listening to music or going for a walk. And if you need more, there’s the #KeinerBleibtAllein idea, for example: this initiative connects young adults who are looking for company over the holidays – you can find out more here.
   And there are even more places to go.

In Austria:

• Plaudernetz: You can call 05 1776 100 every day from 10 am to 10 pm to chat.

More information und helplines